Why is pet insurance so essential? Because things sure have changed. In 2002, a two-bedroom apartment in Durham cost $620 a month and the average lifetime cost of vet care was $15,000 for a dog and $7,500 for a cat.
In 2025 that same apartment rents for $1,880…and the average lifetime cost of vet care is $52,000 for a dog and $43,000 for a cat. It’s not just inflation that brought up prices.
Vet care costs more because of the tremendous advancements we’ve made in our field. Massive improvements and availability of both technology and medicine for our fur babies has truly changed the face of veterinary medicine.
Since the turn of the century, pet dentistry and dental x-rays have become standard care. Medications now exist to treat allergies and arthritis, diabetes and cancer. Better training allows for better understanding of behavior, long-term health, and quality of life.
All this value costs money. We hear you. How can pet parents afford vet care these days??
Two ways: a wellness care plan and pet insurance. A care plan will help you prevent as much illness as possible.
Pet insurance covers the illnesses and accidents you can’t prevent. It helps you provide financially for your fur baby and is an incredibly valuable investment in the life of your pet.
No one can predict the future. Pet insurance helps you prepare for the inevitable unexpected.
Pet Insurance Basics
Pet insurance has become vital to the care of our pets. There are many different options. Nationwide and Trupanion have been around a long time. Pets Best and others followed, including Pumpkin and Lemonade in recent years.
Almost all base the policy cost on the pet’s age and breed, what deductible you choose, and where you live. Most have annual deductibles; a few have per-incident or illness deductibles good for the lifetime of a pet. Some have annual or lifetime maximums.
Most policies work by reimbursing you for the cost of the procedure after you’ve paid for it. Some have convenient payment portals, which allows for direct payment to the vet with only the deductible and uncovered percentage coming out of your pocket.
Check out Pawlicy Advisor and North American Pet Health Insurance Association to help you decide which policy is right for you and your pet.
Pet Insurance Benefits
Pet insurance can be used for a number of issues, including sickness and emergencies. Some even offer perks that include coverage for normal visits, so you can keep your fur baby on a regular care schedule without ever worrying about cost.
Pet insurance provides…
🐾 Financial security in case of illness & emergencies
🐾 Life-long coverage for new diagnoses, even & especially the hard ones
🐾 The resources you need for a healthier pet
Investing in pet insurance can actually save money. Need recommendations? Your Eno humans are happy to help!
Pet Insurance Recommendations
ASPCA Pet Insurance: “reliable, affordable, trustworthy”
🐾 Complete coverage including accidents, illness, dental disease, behavior & more
🐾 Accident-only plan & wellness care coverage add-on
🐾 10% off each additional pet
Trupanion: “loved by 1 million pet parents”
🐾 Unlimited payouts for life
🐾 Vet bills paid directly at checkout
🐾 Coverage for diverse needs, including hereditary conditions, dental disease, allergies, injuries, unidentified issues, breed-specific conditions & more
Pumpkin: “pet insurance for people who’d do anything for their pet”
🐾 Coverage for illness, injury, & emergencies
🐾 Wellness care add-on
🐾 Urgent pay service for critical care
Lemonade: “pet insurance with super fast everything”
🐾 Coverage for diagnostics, procedures & medication
🐾 Savings for wellness care
🐾 Multi-pet discount
We always want the best for your fur babies! Call your Fear Free team at (919) 471-0308 with any questions or concerns.
